Nebraska’s landscape is a haven for sparrows, those small but mighty songbirds that bring life to the plains, prairies, and backyards of the state. With their diverse colours, patterns, and songs, sparrows are often overlooked, but they are a fascinating group of birds that add a vibrant energy to Nebraska’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to notice the wildlife around you, sparrows offer a delightful challenge in identification and appreciation. As you explore Nebraska, you’ll find these resilient birds thriving in various habitats, from grassy fields to dense shrubs.
They’re more than just common backyard visitors; they’re an integral part of the state’s ecosystem, embodying the spirit of survival and adaptation in the heartland.
1. Song Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
- Life span: 2-7 years
- Size: 5.5-7 in / 14-18 cm
- Weight: 0.8-1.4 oz / 22-40 g
- Wingspan: 9.1-9.8 in / 23-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Common
The Song Sparrow is widespread across North America, found in varied habitats from coast to coast. It sports a streaked brown and gray body with a distinctive dark central spot on its chest. Its head is marked by a brown crown and a gray eyebrow, giving it a somewhat streaked appearance.
This sparrow is known for its melodious song, which varies regionally and helps it stand out among other similar-looking birds.
Song Sparrows build cup-shaped nests low in shrubs or grass, carefully lining them with fine grasses, animal hair, and sometimes soft moss.
Their diet includes a variety of seeds, insects, and fruits, with a preference for foraging on the ground, often in dense, low vegetation.
Widespread across North America, Song Sparrows have benefited from habitat conservation efforts and are generally considered stable and common in most regions.
2. House Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passer domesticus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 in / 14-16 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz / 30-40 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in / 20-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The House Sparrow, originally from Europe and Asia, is now a common sight across North America. This bird is easily recognized by its gray crown, chestnut brown nape, and black bib on males, while females and young ones have more muted brown and gray tones. Adaptable and social, they thrive in urban and suburban environments, often seen flitting around buildings and nesting in crevices.
House Sparrows nest in cavities, eaves, or any crevice near human dwellings, crafting nests from grass, feathers, paper, and even plastic scraps.
Their diet consists mainly of grains, seeds, and insects, thriving in urban and suburban areas where human activity provides abundant food sources.
Introduced to North America in the 1800s, House Sparrows have thrived, though they often outcompete native species, leading to concerns about their impact on local ecosystems.
3. Swamp Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza georgiana
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 in / 14-16 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.2 oz / 20-35 g
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.1 in / 22-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Rare
Swamp Sparrows inhabit wetlands and marshes across North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. They are recognized by their rich, rusty caps, gray faces, and brownish wings with reddish tones.
Their underparts are typically gray with a slight brown wash. These sparrows often stay close to the ground, skulking in dense vegetation, making them more often heard than seen.
Swamp Sparrows nest in wetlands, often placing their nests low in dense vegetation, using grass, sedges, and moss for construction.
They feed primarily on insects and seeds, often foraging in muddy or wet areas, where they pick food from the water’s surface.
Swamp Sparrows are stable, with wetland conservation helping to maintain their populations, though habitat loss remains a concern.
4. Dark-eyed Junco
- Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 in / 14-16 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.1 oz / 20-30 g
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in / 19-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
The Dark-eyed Junco is common throughout North America, especially in forests and during winter. This sparrow is known for its slate-gray or brownish body with contrasting white underparts and outer tail feathers, often seen hopping on the ground.
Dark-eyed Juncos nest on or near the ground, typically in wooded areas or along forest edges. They construct their nests from grasses, twigs, and moss, often placing them in well-concealed locations such as under logs or within brush piles.
Their diet includes seeds and insects, which they forage for on the ground, often in wooded areas or open spaces near forests. Dark-eyed Juncos are commonly seen hopping about, scratching at the ground to uncover food.
Dark-eyed Juncos are widespread and common, with stable populations across North America. They benefit from forest conservation efforts and have adapted well to a variety of habitats, making them one of the most familiar and beloved sparrows.
5. American Tree Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizelloides arborea
- Life span: 2-6 years
- Size: 5.9 in / 15 cm
- Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz / 18-28 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in / 20-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
American Tree Sparrows breed in northernmost North America, migrating southward for winter. They have a rusty cap, gray face, and a dark central spot on their chest. Their back mixes brown, gray, and rust, creating a warm, earthy appearance.
American Tree Sparrows nest on the ground or low in shrubs, typically in tundra regions during the breeding season. They build their nests from grasses, moss, and animal fur, creating a warm and insulated environment for their eggs.
Their diet includes seeds and insects, with a particular emphasis on small seeds during the winter months. American Tree Sparrows are often seen foraging on the ground in open areas or near bird feeders during their winter migration.
American Tree Sparrows are generally stable, with populations that migrate south during the winter. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding grounds in the northern tundra, as well as ensuring they have suitable wintering habitats.
6. Chipping Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella passerina
- Life span: 4-5 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 in / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in / 20-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Chipping Sparrows are widespread across North America, especially in open woodlands. They’re easily identified by their bright rufous crown, black eyeline, and clean grayish underparts. Often seen flitting through trees or hopping on lawns, they’re known for their distinctive trilling song.
Chipping Sparrows build small, cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, using grasses, rootlets, and sometimes horsehair to create a tidy and secure nest. These nests are typically placed in open woodlands, gardens, or suburban areas.
Their diet includes seeds and insects, which they often forage for on the ground or in low vegetation. Chipping Sparrows are frequently seen in open woodlands, gardens, and backyards, where they are known for their distinctive trilling song.
Chipping Sparrows are widespread and common, with stable populations that have adapted well to suburban environments.
7. Eastern Towhee
- Scientific name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Life span: 6-9 years
- Size: 7.1-9.1 in / 18-23 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.8 oz / 31-52 g
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in / 25-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Uncommon
Eastern Towhees are found in the eastern United States, particularly in underbrush and forest edges. Males are striking with black upperparts, rusty sides, and white belly, while females have similar patterns but with brown instead of black.
Eastern Towhees nest on or near the ground, often in dense underbrush or thickets. They build cup-shaped nests from grasses, leaves, and twigs, typically placing them in well-concealed locations to protect them from predators.
Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and berries, which they forage for by scratching through leaf litter on the forest floor. Eastern Towhees are known for their distinctive foraging behavior, using both feet to uncover food hidden beneath leaves.
Eastern Towhees are generally stable, though habitat loss and fragmentation pose ongoing challenges. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring the dense, brushy habitats that these birds rely on for nesting and foraging.
8. Savannah Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerculus sandwichensis
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 5.5-6.7 in / 14-17 cm
- Weight: 0.5-0.9 oz / 14-26 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.4 in / 20-24 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Common
Savannah Sparrows are widespread across North America, inhabiting open fields and grassy areas. They’re recognized by their streaked brown and white plumage, often with a yellow spot above the eye, blending seamlessly into grassy habitats.
Savannah Sparrows nest on the ground, often in open fields or grasslands, where they weave grasses and fine materials into well-camouflaged nests. These nests are typically hidden among the grasses, providing protection from predators and the elements.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds and insects, which they forage for low in grasslands. Savannah Sparrows are often seen walking or hopping through the grass, blending seamlessly with their surroundings as they search for food.
Savannah Sparrows are stable, benefiting from grassland conservation efforts, though they face threats from habitat loss due to agriculture and development. Preserving open grasslands is essential for their continued survival.
9. Grasshopper Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammodramus savannarum
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in / 16-20 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and common
Grasshopper Sparrows are found in grasslands across North America. They have a flat-headed, buffy appearance with subtle streaks of brown and tan on their back, and pale underparts. Their coloration blends perfectly with grassy habitats.
Grasshopper Sparrows nest on the ground in open grasslands, weaving grasses and other fine materials into a well-hidden nest. These nests are often placed in slight depressions or among thick grasses, providing camouflage and protection.
Their diet is dominated by insects, especially grasshoppers, as well as seeds. Grasshopper Sparrows are often seen foraging low in the grass, where their coloration helps them blend in with their surroundings.
Grasshopper Sparrows benefit from grassland conservation efforts, although they face challenges from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and development. Protecting and restoring grassland habitats is crucial for their continued survival.
10. Lark Sparrow
- Scientific name: Chondestes grammacus
- Life span: 4-6 years
- Size: 5.9-6.7 in / 15-17 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.1 oz / 20-31 g
- Wingspan: 9.1-10.2 in / 23-26 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Lark Sparrows are widespread across North America, especially in open habitats. They’re identified by their striking head pattern of chestnut, black, and white stripes. Their body blends brown, white, and gray, with a long, notched tail.
Lark Sparrows build their nests on the ground or in low shrubs, often in open habitats like grasslands or savannas. They construct their nests from grasses, twigs, and leaves, creating a well-camouflaged and secure environment for their eggs.
Their diet includes seeds, grains, and insects, which they forage for on the ground or in low vegetation. Lark Sparrows are often seen perched on fences or low shrubs, where they search for food or sing their melodious songs.
Lark Sparrows are generally stable, though they face challenges from habitat loss due to agriculture and development. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving open habitats and ensuring the survival of this striking sparrow.
11. Vesper Sparrow
- Scientific name: Pooecetes gramineus
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 5.9 in / 15 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1 oz / 19- 28g
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 in / 22-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Common
The Vesper Sparrow is a grassland bird found across much of North America, from open fields to prairies. It features a brown streaked body with a white eye-ring and white outer tail feathers, which are visible in flight. The bird’s plumage blends well with its surroundings, making it well-camouflaged.
Vesper Sparrows nest on the ground, usually in open fields or grasslands. They create shallow, cup-shaped nests from grasses, lined with finer materials, and often place them in slight depressions for added concealment. These nests are well-camouflaged, blending seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation.
Their diet is diverse, including seeds, grains, and insects, with a notable tendency to forage in open areas, often near dusk when they are most active. Vesper Sparrows are frequently seen hopping along the ground in search of food, using their keen eyesight to spot seeds and insects.
Vesper Sparrows benefit from grassland conservation efforts but face challenges from agricultural practices and habitat fragmentation. Maintaining open fields and grasslands is critical for their survival, as these birds depend on these habitats for nesting and foraging.
12. Brewer’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella breweri
- Life span: 3-4 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 in / 12-13 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz / 11-14 g
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 in / 18-19 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Brewer’s Sparrows are found in western North America, especially in sagebrush habitats. They’re small, slender birds with drab grayish-brown plumage. Their head is slightly streaked with a faint eye-ring, giving them an understated appearance.
Brewer’s Sparrows nest in sagebrush habitats, often placing their nests low in shrubs. They construct their nests from grasses, twigs, and sagebrush bark, creating a well-camouflaged and secure environment for their eggs.
Their diet primarily consists of insects and seeds, which they forage for in sagebrush and other arid environments. Brewer’s Sparrows are often seen flitting through shrubs, where they search for food among the branches and leaves.
Brewer’s Sparrows are generally stable, though they rely heavily on sagebrush habitats, which are increasingly threatened by development and land use changes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical habitats to ensure the survival of the species.
13. White-throated Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 6.3-7.5 in / 16-19 cm
- Weight: 0.9-1.3 oz / 25-38 g
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 in / 22-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
White-throated Sparrows are a familiar sight across much of North America, particularly in the eastern forests and woodlands. They are easily identified by their distinctive white throat patch, yellow lores, and the black and white or tan-striped head.
The rest of their body is a mix of gray and brown, creating a crisp, clean appearance. These sparrows are often found foraging on the ground in leaf litter.
White-throated Sparrows nest on or near the ground, often in dense undergrowth within forests or brushy areas. They use grasses, twigs, and moss to create their well-hidden nests, which are usually placed in secluded spots to protect them from predators.
Their diet includes seeds, insects, and berries, which they often forage for on the forest floor. They are skilled at kicking through leaf litter to uncover hidden food, and their diet varies with the seasons, depending on the availability of different food sources.
White-throated Sparrows are widespread and stable, with conservation efforts focused on maintaining the forest habitats essential for their breeding and wintering. Protecting these habitats is vital for ensuring the continued success of this beloved songbird.
14. LeConte’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammospiza leconteii
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.3-5.1 in / 11-13 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 5.9-6.7 in / 15-17 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
LeConte’s Sparrows are found in wet meadows and marshes in central and eastern North America. They have a striking orange-buff face with a dark crown and finely streaked brown and white underparts, often staying low in dense grasses.
LeConte’s Sparrows nest on the ground in wet meadows or marshes, weaving grasses and sedges into a well-hidden nest. These nests are often placed in thick vegetation, providing protection from predators and the elements.
Their diet includes insects and seeds, which they forage for low in dense, grassy areas. LeConte’s Sparrows are often seen skulking through vegetation, where they remain well-hidden as they search for food.
LeConte’s Sparrows are generally stable, though they rely heavily on wetland and grassland habitats, which are increasingly threatened by development and land use changes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical habitats to ensure the survival of this species.
15. Henslow’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammodramus henslowii
- Life span: 1-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 in / 17-20 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and Rare
Henslow’s Sparrows are rare and localized, found in eastern and central United States grasslands. They have an olive-coloured head, dark streaks, and a buffy chest with fine streaks. Their short tail and chunky body are distinctive.
Henslow’s Sparrows nest on the ground in dense, grassy fields, weaving grasses and fine materials into a well-hidden nest. These nests are often placed in thick vegetation, providing protection from predators and the elements.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, particularly grasshoppers, and seeds. Henslow’s Sparrows are often seen foraging low in the grass, where their subtle coloration helps them blend in with their surroundings.
Henslow’s Sparrows are rare and localized, with populations that rely on the conservation of grasslands and open fields. Habitat loss due to agriculture and development poses significant threats, and conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring these critical habitats.
16. Lark Bunting
- Scientific name: Calamospiza melanocorys
- Life span: 4-7 years
- Size: 5.1-6.3 in / 13-16 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.3 oz / 31-37 g
- Wingspan: 9.4-10.2 in / 24-26 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and Uncommon
Lark Buntings are found in central North America’s plains, particularly in grasslands. Males are striking with black bodies and white wing patches, while females and non-breeding males have brownish streaks. Lark Buntings are known for dramatic song flights.
Lark Buntings nest on the ground in open grasslands, creating shallow nests from grasses and other fine materials. These nests are often placed in slight depressions, providing some protection from the wind and sun.
Their diet consists of seeds, grains, and insects, which they forage for in open areas. Lark Buntings are often seen hopping along the ground in search of food, with males displaying striking black plumage during the breeding season.
Lark Buntings benefit from grassland conservation efforts, though habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and development remains a concern. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring open grasslands to ensure the survival of this species.
17. Clay-colored Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella pallida
- Life span: 4-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 in / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz / 12-20 g
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in / 18-20 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Common
Clay-coloured Sparrows are found in North America’s central plains, especially during breeding season. They have a pale, buffy appearance with a distinct dark line through the eye and a contrasting white eyebrow. Their back is streaked with brown.
Clay-coloured Sparrows build cup-shaped nests in low shrubs or small trees, often in open areas like grasslands or prairies. They use grasses, rootlets, and sometimes fine twigs to create a well-hidden and secure nest.
Their diet includes seeds, insects, and berries, with a preference for foraging low in shrubs and grasses. Clay-coloured Sparrows are often seen in open, grassy areas, where they search for food close to the ground.
Clay-coloured Sparrows are generally stable, with populations benefiting from the preservation of grasslands and open areas. However, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development remains a concern, and conservation efforts are focused on maintaining suitable breeding and foraging habitats.
18. Green-Tailed Towhee
- Scientific name: Pipilo chlorurus
- Life span: 6-7 years
- Size: 6.3-7.5 in / 16-19 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.2 oz / 20-34 g
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in / 25-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Green-tailed Towhees are found in the western United States, particularly in shrubby, high-altitude regions. They’re recognized by olive-green upperparts, grayish underparts, and a rust-coloured crown. The greenish-yellow tail and wings set them apart.
Green-tailed Towhees build their nests in shrubs or low trees, often in arid or mountainous regions. They construct their nests from grasses, twigs, and leaves, creating a well-hidden and secure environment for their young.
Their diet includes seeds, insects, and berries, which they forage for in dense vegetation. Green-tailed Towhees are often seen hopping on the ground or flitting through shrubs as they search for food.
Green-tailed Towhees are generally stable, though they rely on specific habitats that are increasingly threatened by development and land use changes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these habitats to ensure the survival of this species.
19. Harris’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia querula
- Life span: 4-5 years
- Size: 6.7-7.5 in / 17-19 cm
- Weight: 1.2-1.5 oz / 34-43 g
- Wingspan: 10.6-11.8 in / 27-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Harris’s Sparrows are unique to central North America, particularly in northern prairies. They’re the largest sparrow, with striking black faces, crowns, and bibs, contrasting with gray cheeks and nape. Their body mixes brown and white.
Harris’s Sparrows nest on the ground in the northern boreal forests, often placing their nests in dense shrubs or among ground cover. They construct their nests from grasses, twigs, and moss, creating a well-insulated environment for their eggs.
Their diet includes seeds, berries, and insects, which they forage for on the ground or in low vegetation. Harris’s Sparrows are often seen scratching at the ground to uncover food, especially during their migration.
Harris’s Sparrows are unique to North America, with populations that migrate south during the winter. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding grounds in the boreal forests and ensuring they have suitable wintering habitats.
20. Spotted Towhee
- Scientific name: Pipilo maculatus
- Life span: 6-10 years
- Size: 6.3-8.7 in / 16-22 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.5 oz / 31-43 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in / 20-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Common
Spotted Towhees are found in western North America, particularly in dense shrubs. Males are mostly black with white spots on wings and a white belly with rusty sides, while females are similar but grayish-brown. They’re often seen scratching through leaf litter.
Spotted Towhees nest on or near the ground in dense shrubs or thickets. They build cup-shaped nests from grasses, leaves, and twigs, typically placing them in well-concealed locations to protect them from predators.
Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and berries, which they forage for by scratching through leaf litter on the forest floor. Spotted Towhees are known for their distinctive foraging behavior, using both feet to uncover food hidden beneath leaves.
Spotted Towhees are generally stable, though habitat loss and fragmentation pose ongoing challenges. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring the dense, brushy habitats that these birds rely on for nesting and foraging.
21. Cassin’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Peucaea cassinii
- Life span: 4-5 years
- Size: 5.1-6.0 in / 13-15
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz / 17-20 g
- Wingspan: 7.9 in / 20 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Rare
Cassin’s Sparrows are secretive birds found in dry grasslands of the southwestern United States. They have reddish-brown or grayish bodies with dark streaks and thin white eye-rings. Their subdued coloration helps them blend into their arid habitats.
Cassin’s Sparrows nest on the ground in dry, grassy areas or among scattered shrubs. They construct their nests from grasses and other fine materials, often placing them in slight depressions or under small bushes for added concealment.
Their diet consists of seeds and insects, which they forage for on the ground or low in vegetation. Cassin’s Sparrows are often seen foraging in arid environments, where they rely on their subtle coloration to blend in with the surroundings.
Cassin’s Sparrows are localized and uncommon, relying on specific grassland and arid habitats that are increasingly threatened by development and land use changes. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring these critical habitats to ensure the survival of this species.
22. White-crowned Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Life span: 6-13 years
- Size: 6.7-7.9 in / 17-20 cm
- Weight: 0.9-1.4 oz / 26-40 g
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in / 25-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
The White-crowned Sparrow is a striking bird found across North America, particularly during migration and in its breeding grounds in the north. It is easily recognized by its bold black and white stripes on the head, which contrast with its grayish body and long tail.
These sparrows are often spotted in brushy areas and along woodland edges, where they forage and sing their sweet, whistled tunes.
White-crowned Sparrows build their nests on or near the ground, often hidden in shrubs or grass. They use a combination of twigs, grasses, and moss to construct their nests, which are typically well-camouflaged within the dense vegetation. These nests provide a secure environment for their eggs and young.
Their diet includes a mix of seeds, berries, and insects, which they forage for on the ground and sometimes in shrubs, especially during migration. White-crowned Sparrows are often seen scratching at the ground in search of food, and their varied diet supports them throughout the different stages of their migratory journey.
White-crowned Sparrows are common, with populations benefiting from protected breeding grounds, though migration routes can pose risks due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Continued efforts to protect their breeding and wintering habitats are crucial for their conservation.
23. Lincoln’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza lincolnii
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 in / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in / 18-20 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Lincoln’s Sparrows are found across North America, especially in northern regions. They have a finely streaked breast with a buffy wash and a gray face bordered by brown streaks. Their subtle, elegant appearance makes them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Lincoln’s Sparrows nest in dense, low vegetation, often in wetlands or moist meadows. They construct their nests from grasses, moss, and sometimes animal fur, creating a soft and secure environment for their eggs.
Their diet is primarily composed of insects and seeds, which they forage for low in dense vegetation, often near water. Lincoln’s Sparrows are secretive and tend to stay hidden as they search for food, making them a challenge to spot.
Lincoln’s Sparrows are generally stable, though wetland conservation remains crucial to maintaining their preferred nesting habitats. Protecting these areas from development and degradation is key to ensuring the survival of this species.
24. Fox Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerella iliaca
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 6.7-7.9 in / 17-20 cm
- Weight: 1.4-1.8 oz / 40-52 g
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.8 in / 26-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Rare
Fox Sparrows are found across North America with distinct subspecies. They’re large, robust sparrows with rusty-red streaks on their underparts and thick, conical bills. Their upperparts mix gray and reddish-brown, giving them a vibrant appearance.
Fox Sparrows nest on or near the ground, often in dense underbrush or thickets. They use a combination of twigs, grasses, and leaves to create well-concealed nests, providing a secure environment for their young.
Their diet includes seeds, insects, and berries, which they often forage for by scratching the ground in dense vegetation. Fox Sparrows are known for their distinctive foraging behavior, turning over leaves and soil to uncover hidden food.
Fox Sparrows are generally stable, with distinct subspecies across North America. They benefit from a variety of habitats, though continued conservation efforts are needed to protect their breeding and wintering grounds.
25. Nelson’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammospiza nelsoni
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 in / 17-19 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Migratory and rare
Nelson’s Sparrows inhabit marshes in central and eastern North America. They’re recognized by their orange face, gray nape, and streaked brown body. These sparrows often stay hidden in dense vegetation, making them a challenge to spot.
Nelson’s Sparrows build their nests low in dense, grassy vegetation, often in wetlands or salt marshes. They construct their nests from grasses, sedges, and other plant materials, creating a well-hidden and secure environment for their eggs.
Their diet includes insects, spiders, and seeds, which they forage for in dense vegetation, often near water. Nelson’s Sparrows are secretive and tend to stay hidden as they search for food, making them difficult to observe.
Nelson’s Sparrows are generally stable, though they rely on specific wetland and salt marsh habitats that are increasingly threatened by development and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring these critical habitats.
26. Field Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella pusilla
- Life span: 4-6 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in / 19-22 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Field Sparrows are common in overgrown fields and brushy areas across eastern North America. They have pale gray heads with rufous crowns and white eye-rings. Their backs are brown with black streaks, and undersides are gray with rufous highlights.
Field Sparrows build their nests low in shrubs or on the ground in open fields or overgrown areas. They construct their nests from grasses, twigs, and sometimes fine roots, creating a well-hidden and secure environment for their eggs.
Their diet includes seeds and insects, with a preference for foraging on the ground in open, brushy areas. Field Sparrows are often seen hopping through tall grasses, where they search for food, especially during the breeding season.
Field Sparrows are generally stable, but they have faced declines in some areas due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and development. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring the open, brushy habitats that these birds need for nesting and foraging.
Where to find Sparrows in Nebraska
Sparrows thrive in a variety of environments, from open grasslands to wooded edges, and even urban areas. To start your search, grab a pair of binoculars and a field guide, and head out early in the morning when birds are most active. Patience is key, as these small birds often blend into their surroundings, foraging on the ground or flitting between shrubs.
Four great areas to explore are Platte River State Park, where dense thickets attract species like the Song Sparrow, and Fontenelle Forest, where you can spot White-throated Sparrows in the woodlands. For open grassland species like the Grasshopper Sparrow, try Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. Lastly, Wagon Train State Recreation Area is excellent for observing sparrows near water, with plenty of quiet spots to listen for their distinctive songs.
Conclusion
Sparrows in Nebraska are a diverse and vital part of the state’s ecosystems, thriving in various habitats from grasslands to wetlands. Their presence enriches the natural landscape, and ongoing conservation efforts are essential to protect these small but significant birds, ensuring they continue to grace Nebraska’s skies and fields.
